Nutrients - growth catalyst?

11 years ago

Hi,
I've received a tremendous wealth of information here, especially thanks to Tapla, and have become a much better container gardener (and I believe my plants feel so too).

Using either 5:1:1 or Gritty mix (especially Gritty Mix) I now understand how to have properly draining soil and no longer have issues of root rot and stagnant water.

In my mixes I add:
*Dolomite Lime (dosing the best I can according to what I've read, though I'm still unsure of the correct amount).
*Osmocote Plus slow release.
*Foliage Pro which Tapla also put me on to which I use at nearly every watering (allowing some water to rinse through and out).

On my own I've experimented with some Coco-Wet wetting agent in hopes to avoid hydrophobia.

But an old hydroponic experiment I also have some of this http://www.botanicare.com/Liquid-Karma-01-01-05--P47.aspx
Which is labeled as a Plant Catalyst. It doesn't seem to contain any sort of nutrient. Does anyone use a product like this and does anyone with experience know if this is important?

Also, does anyone recommend I add a micronutrient source to my cocktail or would that be covered already?

The only plants that don't seem to LOVE the changes I've made since visiting here are my Pathos, interestingly. They are in 5:1:1 and seem rather dull--with new growth getting more variegated. I try not to overwater and not too much lights, I just don't know.

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Comments (5)

ysrgrathe PA 6b
11 years ago
FoliagePro already includes the minors, so I'm not sure why you would need to add the micronutrients.
rashomon
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks! What about this "growth catalyst"? Has anyone heard of its use and effectiveness?
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fred
11 years ago
I really cant see the use of the above product, as Foliage Pro already contains all the plants need. Cant see the plants using it. It will only drain away, as the plants has enough food.
What did work for me is a good quality humic acid. It helps the soil hold onto the Foliage Pro nutrients.
Humic acid ensures that the mix will continue to stay negatively charged and attract and HOLD the fertilizer ions.
I had reasonable growth with FP but explosive growth when I started using Humates with it ... :-)

This post was edited by fredman on Sat, Jan 31, 15 at 17:44
rashomon
Original Author
11 years ago
That's the first I've heard about Humic Acid (still a lot to learn) and it sent me on an Internet hunt for more info. The dark color of the dissolved Humic Acid reminded me of the liquid karma and sure enough it is one of the ingredients (along with a bunch of others). At least you helped shed some light on what each of these things are. This video (under usage) describes the ingredients for liquid karma.

Here is a link that might be useful: Liquid karma - video under
fred
11 years ago
Yeah it seems like a good product but still can really see a use for it, when one is using FP, as it already has got all the nutrients in a balanced form, just like any plant needs it.
The humates in there will also be in a diluted fraction.
Maybe it can be used as a tonic, to feed transplanted plants. Even then i'm of the opinion that weak plants needs a full strength, balanced diet, just like us...
As to Humates.... There is some substandard stuff out there to. Always best to research the product properly and get it from a reputable company. I use liquid humic acid (but it is available in a solid form to I see). I dilute it and feed it separately once per month. Yeah it is black and thick. Clings to the measure cap profusely.... :-)